Question

Which one of the following drug is skeletal muscle relaxant?

• A. Datura stramonium
• B. Atropa belladonna
• C. Hyoscyamus niger
• D. Chondrodendron tomentosum

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks about a skeletal muscle relaxant among the given options: Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, and Chondrodendron tomentosum. Let's evaluate each option:

1. Datura stramonium: This plant contains alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine, which have anticholinergic properties. It is primarily used for its hallucinogenic effects rather than as a muscle relaxant.
2. Atropa belladonna: Also known as deadly nightshade, it contains atropine, which is an anticholinergic. While it affects muscle tone by blocking parasympathetic nerves, it is not primarily used as a skeletal muscle relaxant.
3. Hyoscyamus niger: Commonly known as henbane, it contains tropane alkaloids like hyoscyamine and scopolamine. These compounds have sedative and antispasmodic effects but are not primarily used as muscle relaxants.
4. Chondrodendron tomentosum: This plant is known for its compound tubocurarine, which is a potent skeletal muscle relaxant. Tubocurarine was traditionally used as a component in curare, a poison used on arrow tips, and it works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, leading to muscle relaxation. It is indeed a classic example of a neuromuscular-blocking agent.

Conclusion: The correct answer is Chondrodendron tomentosum because it contains tubocurarine, which directly acts as a skeletal muscle relaxant by interfering with the nerve impulses to muscles.